Rongai 7 Day Expedition
Summiting via Gilman’s Point

WHY THIS ITINERARY?

A 7 day ascent that is relatively gradual. The numbers of hikers on this route tends to be less than Machame or Marangu routes and the chance of seeing wildlife higher. Comes highly recommended but note that the drive to the starting point takes a long time and the descent is via the Marangu route (i.e. busy).

DESCRIPTION

A 7 day ascent of Kilimanjaro starting on the Eastern side of Kilimanjaro. This side of the mountain is relatively dry and has a relatively short forest zone. It skirts the base of Mwenzi and then ascends via Gilman's point to Uhuru Peak. There is an acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn. The descent is via the Marangu route trail.

HIGHLIGHTS

Kilimanjaro: views over the Mawenzi and Kibo saddle, close views of Mawenzi, the Kibo crater and ash pit and glaciers on the roof of Africa.

IN BRIEF

Hike Distance - 39miles / 66 km
Vertical Gain - 13,8401ft / 4218m
Drop - 13,840ft / 4218m
Trekking Time - 45 hours

IN DETAIL

DAY 1 - SIMBA CAMP

START - 6,400ft / 1950m
END - 8,530ft / 2600m
DISTANCE - 5 miles / 8km
TIME - 4 hrs

In the morning we drive you around Kilimanjaro to the Eastern side of the mountain to Nale Moru where we register at the gate. Here we will have lunch while the team checks you into the National Park. In the early afternoon we set off and will be hiking through farm and pine plantations before afromontane forest and eventually to our camp at Simba. Overnight at Simba Camp.

DAY 2 - KIKELEWA CAVES

START - 8,530ft / 2600m
END - 11,811ft / 3600m
DISTANCE - 7 miles / 12km
TIME - 7 hrs

Ascent to Second Cave (11,316ft / 3450m) with views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch you leave the main trail and head towards Mawenzi. Kikelewa Caves campsite is in sheltered valley where you spend the night.

DAY 3 - MAWENZI TARN

START - 11,811ft / 3600m
END - 14,206ft / 4330m
DISTANCE - 2 miles / 3.2km
TIME - 3 hrs

Today you hike up close to Mawenzi Tarn to a spot located in a cirque in the shadow of Mawenzi Peak. In the afternoon you head out for an acclimatisation walk with your guide. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

DAY 4 - MAWENZI TARN

START - 14,206ft / 4330m
END - 14,206ft / 4330m
DISTANCE - 2 miles / 3.2km
TIME - 3 hrs

Today is an acclimatisation and rest day. Your guide takes you on a leisurely hike to keep the blood flowing, which normally lasts for around 3 hours. Overnight again at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

DAY 5 - KIBO HUT

START - 14,206ft / 4330m
END - 15,420ft / 4700m
DISTANCE - 5 miles / 8km
TIME - 4 hrs

Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone to Kibo Hut - your base camp for the summit bid. In the afternoon it is time to prepare for the night ascent and then an early dinner and to bed for a few hours.

DAY 6 - SUMMIT BID & HOROMBO CAMP

START - 15,420ft / 4700m
END - 12,159ft / 3706m
DISTANCE - 12.6 miles / 20km
TIME - 17 hrs

An early start is required to arrive in time for a dawn on the roof of Africa! You ascend Kibo volcano via Gilman's point (19,341ft / 5685m), which takes around 6 to 7 hours. It is then a further 1.5 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After successfully summiting, you descend to Kibo Hut for refreshment and a refuel before continuing down to Horomob Camp where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

DAY 7 - ARUSHA

START - 12,159ft / 3706m
END - 6,463ft / 1970m
DISTANCE - 11.8 miles / 19km
TIME - 6 hrs

The final section descends to Marangu Gate via Mandara Hut where you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well deserved shower!